Side loader forklifts are specialized machines designed to carry long, bulky loads such as timber, pipes, steel bars, and plywood . Unlike standard forklifts, they lift and carry loads parallel to the direction of travel, allowing them to navigate narrow aisles and handle materials up to 30 feet or more .
Leading Manufacturers
Manufacturer Key Models Capacity Range
Combilift C-Series, CB-Series, Combi-AGT 5,000 – 17,300 lbs
Hubtex MSU Series, multidirectional sideloaders Varies
Drexel SL40AC, SL50AC, SL60AC (SwingMast®) 3,000 – 5,000+ lbs
Baumann Various sideloaders Varies
Bulmor Four-way sideloaders 2 – 20 tonnes
Mima MQK40 (electric) 4.0 t
Combilift is the world's first IC engine-powered, all-wheel-drive multi-directional forklift, combining sideloader, counterbalance, and narrow aisle truck capabilities . Drexel's SwingMast® technology allows the front mast to rotate 90°, enabling side-loading in aisles as narrow as 60 inches .
Price Ranges
Condition Model Price Source
New 2026 MIMA MQK40 (electric) $81,178 Machinio
New 2022 Combilift C5000 FWSL (20 hrs) $92,861 Machinio
New 2026 Drexel SL40AC Contact seller Machinio
Used 2013 Combilift CB4000 €18,260 (~$19,800) Machineryline
Used 2008 Combilift C4000 (triplex) $29,420 Machineryline
Used 2017 Combilift C6000FSL Price on request Machineryline
Used 2021 Hubtex MSU37/2140PUS Price on request Machinio
Used sideloaders typically range from $15,000 to $95,000+ depending on age, hours, and condition. High-hour older models (7,000+ hours) can be found at lower prices, while low-hour units with full service histories command premiums .
Where to Buy
Machinio (machinio.com) is the leading marketplace for new and used sideloaders, listing Combilift, Hubtex, Mima, Baumann, and Drexel models . Machineryline (machineryline.com) features Combilift sideloaders with detailed specifications and European listings . Direct from Manufacturers – Combilift (combilift.com) offers new and approved used sideloaders . SJF.com lists used side loader forklifts with capacities up to 10,000 lbs and lift heights to 30 feet . Berry Material Handling offers new specialty forklifts including Drexel SwingMast models .
Buying Considerations
Capacity and Load Type: Match the sideloader's capacity to your heaviest loads. Combilift models range from 5,000 to 17,300 lbs . Drexel SL40AC offers 4,000 lb capacity at 24″ load center .
Aisle Width: Drexel SwingMast operates in aisles as narrow as 60″ . Hubtex multidirectional sideloaders are designed for confined spaces .
Mast Type: Duplex masts offer moderate lift heights (4,000–4,500 mm) . Triplex masts provide higher lift (up to 6,800 mm / 22.3 ft) .
Condition and Hours: Review maintenance records and inspect for wear . Units after full service are ready for immediate operation .
Power Source: Diesel models dominate for heavy-duty use . Electric options like Mima MQK40 offer zero-emission operation .
The bottom line: Side loader forklifts range from $15,000 for older used models to $95,000+ for low-hour units. Combilift, Hubtex, Drexel, and Baumann are leading manufacturers. Shop through Machinio, Machineryline, and manufacturer dealers. When buying, prioritize load capacity, aisle width requirements, mast type, and service history.